Cora added that being sandwiched with Scott Podsednik at the leadoff spot and Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin hitting behind him will give Ramirez better pitches to hit.

"I don't think they're going to mess around with him," Cora said. "It's good for him in that spot."

The rest of the lineup, however, remains a work in progress.

The Sox entered play Monday tied with Oakland for the lowest batting average (.243) in the American League. The Sox also ranked last in the league with a .246 batting average with runners in scoring position.

"Our goal is to have one lineup and stay with it," Cora said. "But until we have some consistency with the guys, we'll keep playing around with it until we find out the magic lineup that we can stick with for a while. And maybe this is one we like for right now."